Dear //FirstName//

Well here we are at the end of June and winter has well and truly settled upon the Barossa. Not really enough season breaking rain yet but the days and, even more particularly the nights, have been a little crisp. (You know it’s been a cold night when you have to tap a hole in the ice of the dogs water bowl so they can have a drink!) But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s great red drinking weather and what better time to enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple while pausing to reflect on the ghosts of vintage past. To that end, read on for the long awaited winemakers take on vintage 2015.

Good winter rains and warmer temperatures in early spring brought about slightly earlier bud burst and excellent shoot growth. A lovely growing season with no crazy, stormy or very windy northerly weather to affect flowering resulting in a great fruit set across all varieties.

However, the northern Barossa, and a few other seemingly random patches of vineyard, was hit by late frosts resulting in a huge loss for that sub region.

After a quite chilly Christmas and New Year the warm and dry weather was upon us, perfect ripening weather.

An early and fast vintage for the Barossa Valley had Langmeil at full fermentation capacity for three and a half weeks meaning 75% of our grape intake in less than a month, phew!

The later ripening varieties like Grenache and Mataro still took their time and of course Eden Valley Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are always late so vintage soon wound down to a leisurely pace ending in the middle of April.

Overall 2015 was an excellent vintage with great flavour, colour and intensity across the board.

Cheers

Paul Lindner

Of course the hardest work has been done and now we play the waiting game while the well chosen oaks contribute the magic only time in a barrel can bring, certainly one to look forward to. In the meantime there are plenty of current releases to see us through. If you are looking for a versatile winter libation give the just released 2012 Mataro a try.

Whilst a die hard Shiraz fan, I must confess that the upfront confectionary fruit but warming white pepper finish has seen me quite frequently reaching for this one of late.

Warmest regards from a cool Barossa.

Jonathan Bitter,

Cellar Door Manager

jonathan@langmeilwinery.com.au

08 8563 2595